Category: New Creation

Kings of the Earth, Nations, New Jerusalem, Shepherd

Shepherding Kings and Nations

David R Maas

The Nations and the Kings of the Earth are found in the City of New Jerusalem because of the redeeming work of the Lamb.

The Book of Revelation presents us with paradoxical images and visions that do not conform to our expectations about how God works. Christ’s purpose in subjugating His enemies and judging the nations differs radically from so-called “human wisdom.” Just as his contemporaries did not understand Jesus, so we too often fail to comprehend the “Slain Lamb” and how he is “shepherding the nations,” present tense, from the Messianic Throne.

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Abraham, Nations, New Creation, New Jerusalem

Multitudes from the Nations

David R Maas

The promise to bless all nations in Abraham culminates in the innumerable multitude of the Redeemed inhabiting New Jerusalem.

The foundation of the doctrine of redemption is the Covenant with Abraham. It includes the promises that “all the nations of the Earth will be blessed in Abraham” and innumerable descendants of the Patriarch. “I will multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens, and as the sand which is upon the seashore <…> and in your seed will all the nations of the earth be blessed” – (Genesis 22:17).

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His Return, Last Days, New Creation

Jesus is not Late!

David R Maas

In his second epistle, Peter addresses the growing weariness of some believers due to the apparent delay in or even the failure of the “arrival” of Jesus to materialize, an open door for false teachers and outside critics to exploit. Instead of the predicted terrestrial and cosmic upheaval, daily life was continuing as it always had. The Apostle’s explanation is as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago.

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Babylon, New Jerusalem

TALE OF TWO CITIES

David R Maas

An underlying theme in Revelation is the contrast and conflict between two “cities,” New Jerusalem and Babylon.

The Book of Revelation often uses several terms and images to portray the same reality. For example, the people of God are called the “servants of God,” the “saints,” and the “brethren.” Churches are pictured as “lampstands,” priests, and the “two witnesses.” And the overarching cosmic conflict is presented by contrasting two very different “cities.”

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144,000, New Jerusalem, Sealed Servants

STANDING BEFORE THE THRONE

David R Maas

One of the twenty-four “elders” interpreted the vision of the innumerable saints standing before the Lamb and the throne – Revelation 7:13-17.

We have reached the point where the two questions have been answered – How long must the martyrs wait for vindication, and “who is able to stand” before the “wrath of the Lamb” and he “who sits on the throne.” Having been sealed, numbered, and assembled, John has witnessed all the saints “standing” before Jesus and his Father in victorious worship.

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